Wryneck and Two Caspian Gulls

Although it's not been seen since 4th Sept, presumably the same Wryneck was seen again yesterday and several times today from Seaton Marshes hide.  

I couldn't get down there until late afternoon, and except for a ten second view soon after my arrival it didn't show again until the light had gone.  Still, it was nice to have views of it on the deck, although they were rarely clear and it was always generally moving away from the hide... 

Really was gloomy by this point

Could often only see the top half of the bird in the long grass

 

 We eventually managed prolonged views of it perched up on a fencepost as well which was nice....

Spot the Wryneck!

 

Always great to see one of these crackers

 

This is the fifth Wryneck I have seen on or near to Seaton Marshes, our prime location for this species.

Whilst waiting for the Wryneck to show, checking the gull flocks in the field to the north and on the Estuary revealed the presence of two more first-winter Caspian Gulls.  Distant views, but both striking birds...

Such a big white head!

 

Nice views of its first-winter scaps

This bird was even more distant and in shockingly poor light, but a lovely long bill on it and classic Casp head shape

 

Somehow even managed a flight-shot!

 

Also picked out another first-winter Yellow-legged Gull...

Left hand bird, nicely advanced on its way to first-winter plumage

 

Otherwise this week I had two very different mornings.  On Tuesday morning clear skies and light winds saw some vismig start up.  Had several pulses of Meadow Pipits over west, along with a few Grey and alba Wagtails, and my first vismig Siskin of the autumn.  Hopefully there are hundreds more of them to come!

Wednesday morning saw me at the sea front, where Phil joined me for a seawatch.  Gannets were pilling through west, saw over 350 in the hour I was there.  Also west were two single Arctic Skuas, 14 Balearic Shearwaters, 18 Kittiwake, 10 Common Scoter (six east) and a Ringed Plover.

I have given Black Hole Marsh a couple of checks over the last few days too.  Two Ruff and a juv Curlew Sandpiper being the highlights for me, although we have had up to four of the latter. A juv Bar-tailed Godwit is another new arrival that's been around on the Estuary for the last couple of days.  Oh and yesterday I had yet another first-winter Yellow-legged Gull...

Taken through a dirty window! It flew off before I could take a clear shot

 

 I have two days off now, I wonder how many more Caspian Gulls that means for me!?